Driver Policy For the Use of Mobile Phones

Driver Policy For the Use of Mobile Phones

Introduction Most drivers are aware that it is against the law to use a handheld mobile phone while driving a vehicle. Coach drivers not only face police prosecution if caught using a handheld mobile phone, but also face further repercussions from their local Traffic Commissioner. It is important to Landmark Coaches Limited that all of our drivers comply with the law and the requirements of this Mobile Phone Policy at all times This policy applies to all drivers and staff employed by Landmark Coaches Limited and Landmark Vehicle Hire Limited. All Landmark Coaches and Landmark Vehicle Hire drivers are issued with a copy of this Mobile Phone Policy. The Law Since 1 December 2003, under an amendment to the Road Traffic Act 1998, it has been illegal to drive in the UK while using a handheld mobile phone. Hands-Free Devices While mobile phones may be used in conjunction with hands-free devices, they are ultimately a distraction and a driver using a hands-free mobile phone is still open to a charge of careless driving should a police officer think that they are driving poorly. The law still applies when you are: * Stopped at Traffic Lights or ** Queueing in traffic Drivers are therefore advised that they should only use a mobile phone when the vehicle is stationary and parked. The only exception to this rule is that you may use the phone to call 999 in the event of an emergency.

Scope Every driver employed by Landmark Coaches Limited or Landmark Vehicle Hire Limited will be issued with a copy of this Policy and further copies will be available through our Website at www.landmarkhire.com Penalties for Using a Phone When Driving A driver can be issued with an automatic fixed penalty notice if caught using a handheld device while driving. The fixed penalty sees the driver s driving licence being endorsed with three penalty points and a fine of 100. If the case goes to court, a driver can be disqualified from driving and a PSV driver could receive a maximum fine of up to 2500, compared to a maximum fine of 1000 for an ordinary motorist Handheld Device It is not only a mobile phone that can see the prosecution of a driver, it goes wider than that. The term handheld device covers anything that can be used for making or receiving voice calls or communicating. This can therefore also include ipods, and tablets. Drivers must be aware that communicating back to the Office messaging / emailing about an onboard problem, for example would still see them liable for the same prosecution as if they were speaking with a mobile phone Driving Drivers sometimes believe that being stationary, for example at traffic lights or stuck in a large queue of traffic, offers them the opportunity to make or receive a quick call or to read or send a text message. All drivers must be aware that from a legal perspective, they are still deemed to be driving in this scenario, even though their vehicle is not in motion. Prosecution is therefore still an option for a police officer that witnesses such behaviour

Safety Concerns It is proven that using a using a device while driving is a safety risk to other road users. This risk is clearly magnified when driving a larger vehicle, such as a Coach or Mini Bus. Drivers are four times more likely to crash in such cases. Reaction times for drivers using a phone are vastly affected. An undistracted driver normally has a reaction time of one second, yet the following distractions have some very startling effects on reaction response times which increase as follows: Exceeding the drink drive limit 13% High on cannabis 21% Using a hands-free mobile phone 27% Texting 37% Speaking on a handheld mobile phone 46% Even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a crash. Department for Transport figures show that a record 378 accidents involving mobile telephones were reported in 2012, causing 548 injuries and 17 deaths. Landmark Coaches Limited and Landmark Vehicle Hire Limited reinforce the message to all of our drivers that using a mobile phone while driving is unacceptable. This is reinforced through our Mobile Phone Policy and through our Staff Newsletters and ongoing driver training. We have a clear mobile phone policy in place and draw drivers attention to it frequently through our staff newsletters. Disciplinary Procedures Landmark Coaches Limited and Landmark Vehicle Hire Limited will take any breaches of this Policy very seriously.

Any driver found in breach of the law or this Policy is liable to disciplinary proceedings being taken against them in addition to any action taken by the Police and/or Traffic Commisioner.